Natural Resource and Environmental Management Degree in Montana | With Fieldwork in Yellowstone Country
February 17, 2022 2026-05-12 22:48Natural Resource and Environmental Management
Natural Resource and Environmental Management Degree | Rocky Mountain College, Billings MT
Study Natural Resource Management 90 Miles from Yellowstone National Park
- Intensive hands-on learning: Fieldwork begins your first year, with ongoing exposure to Montana's diverse ecosystems, local flora and fauna, and modern field survey methods.
- Strong community and professional connections: Collaborate with agencies, nonprofits, and local organizations on meaningful projects, like invasive species monitoring, ecological restoration, and river conservation.
- Faculty-led research: Conduct and present original research as an undergraduate, with no graduate student competition for opportunities.
- A multidimensional education: Explore themes from environmental ethics and politics to field ecology and GIS, drawing from courses across disciplines.
$77K
Major and Minor Learning Outcomes
Students graduating with a degree in NREM from Rocky Mountain College will:
- Understand global ecological principles and environmental issues impacting air, land, and water
- Apply critical thinking and observation to analyze complex environmental problems
- Demonstrate knowledge of interconnected ecosystems and species interactions
- Use data and ecological insight to solve real-world management dilemmas—and illustrate them through maps, graphs, and presentations
- Appreciate and explain how politics, policy, and culture influence environmental decisions
99%
of students receive scholarships or grants
88%
of students are placed in internships
Coursework and Requirements
You’ll study core subjects such as sustainable communities, organismal biology, field survey techniques, GIS, statistics, plant taxonomy, wildlife ecology, ecology of soils, and environmental chemistry or geochemistry. Course options expand further with electives in restoration, philosophy, environmental economics, American West history, and more.
Information
Majors:
Natural Resource and Environmental Management
Minors:
Natural Resource and Environmental Management
Faculty
Kayhan Ostovar
Megan M. Poulette
- Contact
- Call: (406) 657-1026
- Text: (406) 606-6440
- Email: admissions@rocky.edu
Yellowstone, the Beartooth Range, and Montana's Rivers | Your Field Sites Start Year One
From lake fish sampling and invasive species monitoring with MT Fish Wildlife & Parks, to seed harvesting in Yellowstone and habitat restoration on regional reserves, you’ll gain skills that transfer directly to careers or graduate school. You’ll also take part in the annual Yellowstone River cleanup and have opportunities for independent, mentored research.
Explore Areas in Natural Resource and Environmental Management
Natural Resource and Environmental Management Major
As an Natural Resource and Environmental Management major, you’ll explore the science of ecosystems and conservation, gaining hands-on experience in field research, restoration, wildlife monitoring, policy analysis, and environmental communication. The program equips you to think critically, work collaboratively in natural resource settings, and apply scientific and ethical reasoning to complex ecological dilemmas. You’ll connect ideas across chemistry, geology, biology, and human dimensions for a truly interdisciplinary foundation.
Career Pathways:
Wildlife or Conservation Biologist, Environmental Consultant or Technician, Natural Resource or Land Manager, GIS Analyst or Environmental Data Scientist, Restoration Ecologist, Environmental Educator or Advocate, Policy Analyst or Environmental Planner, and Graduate student in Natural Resource and Environmental Management, Ecology, or Environmental Policy.
Natural Resource and Environmental Management Minor
The Natural Resource and Environmental Management minor empowers you to bring ecological perspective and analytical skills to any primary major. You’ll learn the fundamentals of environmental and earth sciences, field methods, data analysis, and management principles. With upper-division electives, you can shape the minor to complement your individual goals.
Pair With:
- Biology or Chemistry: for robust scientific credentials—valuable for research, lab, or health professions.
- Political Science or History: for those interested in policy, law, or advocacy tied to environmental issues.
- Business: for students planning careers in sustainability, consulting, or resource management.
- Education: to inspire students about environmental challenges and solutions.
- Health & Human Performance: to deepen understanding of environmental influences on wellness and public health.
Career Boosts:
The minor enhances your marketability for jobs in research labs, government agencies, education, and more—especially in roles where environmental literacy is essential.
Community Involvement / Stewardship
RMC Natural Resource and Environmental Management program and Yellowstone Research Center named Recycle Montana’s recycler of the year.
All freshmen participate in the annual Yellowstone River cleanup, a full day on the river that has removed over 105,000 lbs of metal and nearly 500 tires to date.
International Travel
Our faculty have worked and conducted research in many other parts of the world. From Central and South America to Africa, faculty introduce environmental issues that are related to global perspectives, which are critical for the development of a deeper understanding of the interconnectedness of the planet and the role we play as the largest consumers of resources.
Every other year, students have the opportunity to take part in short study abroad academic trips during school breaks or summers to explore environmental issues in other countries and continents.
Visit photos.rocky.edu to see pictures from past trips, including Costa Rica, the Galapagos Islands, Artic Ecology in Churchill, and Tanzania. Longer semester abroad options also exist through the study abroad office.
Career Opportunities for NREM Graduates
The Natural Resource Program Where Undergrads Do the Research
With field-tested skills, a network of professional contacts, and experience in leadership and research, RMC Natural Resource and Environmental Management graduates launch directly into impactful careers. Recent alumni have become:
- Wild Sky Specialists, American Prairie Reserve
- Aquatic Invasive Species Supervisors
- Staff Environmental Scientists at Terracon Consultants, Inc
- PhD Students in Ecology, Montana State University
Yellowstone, the Beartooth Range, and Montana's Rivers | Your Field Sites Start Year One
At the heart of RMC’s program is immersive, collaborative field experience. From your first year, you’ll engage in conservation work, restoration projects, and field studies—each guided by expert faculty who share your commitment to stewardship.
Students gain hands-on skills and professional connections through:
- Projects with local agencies and nonprofits (e.g., seed harvesting, invasive species monitoring, wildlife research)
- The annual Yellowstone River cleanup, which has removed over 105,000 pounds of metal and nearly 500 tires to date
- Participation in faculty-mentored research, with regular student presentations at conferences and symposium
- The chance to lead or join the Environmental Club, making a positive impact on campus sustainability
Information
Majors:
Natural Resource and Environmental Management
Minors:
Natural Resource and Environmental Management
Faculty
Kayhan Ostovar
Megan M. Poulette
- Contact
- Call: (406) 657-1026
- Text: (406) 606-6440
- Email: admissions@rocky.edu
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